Abstract Artist Lesson Plans

Students investigate the artistic style of Franz Kline, the abstract artist, and create their own painting based on his industrial expressionist style. They examine the influence of his early years growing up near a coal mine in Pennsylvania on his art.

Students expand their area of abstraction and abstract expressionism. They utilize a new approach to creating original abstract works of art. Students participate in peer critique and self-assessment, demonstrating a working knowledge of the concepts and terminology of abstract expression.

Students investigate abstract artists as storytellers.  In this art analysis activity, students observe the small details in the painting called "Release Your Plans" by Daniel Sprick.  Students collaborate in groups to create their own still life work from objects in class.

Students discover the story of the development of a clothing maker and designer, from his childhood interest in sewing to his debut showing of new handmade clothing. They observe how the artist sees sculpture as being about line and how he creates a sculpture by working around the form.

Students investigate expressionist art by researching Wassily Kandinsky. For this abstract art lesson, students utilize the Internet to visit a web museum which showcases Kandinsky's compositions. Students analyze the artistic lines and shapes before typing descriptive paragraphs.

Young scholars examine abstract art. In this abstract art activity, students define abstract art and view examples of abstract art. Young scholars examine the art of Piet Mondrian and his use of straight and angular lines and geometric shapes. Students then paint their own abstract art.

Students examine how various artists develop abstract images. They compare/contrast images, answer discussion questions, and discuss the facts and apparent movement in the images.

Learners study various artistic styles and then make a Kid Pix slide show creating works of art (landscapes, portraits, abstracts, etc.) in the style of a second grade artist.

Students examine and display the differences between literal, and non-literal movement and abstraction using a creative project in movement. This project originates as an individual item, culminating in a small group performance.

Young scholars manipulate pictures using Adobe Photoshop and digital cameras to produce unique abstract works. This lesson can be modified to include a painting/mixed media element. State standards are addressed in this lesson.